A fresh move to expand the scope of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers has been tabled before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, with a proposed amendment to the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.
The memorandum, submitted at Center B of the Northwest zonal public in Sokoto on July 26, 2025, seeks to alter Section 2(b) of Part I of the Fifth Schedule, which currently permits public officers to engage in “farming” as the only private business while in public service. The proposed amendment aims to replace the word “farming” with broader, strategic categories: agricultural production and services, and health care services and production.
Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale, Chairman of SokotoDNA Heritage Development Initiative and promoter of the bill, said the current constitutional provision is outdated and restricts Nigeria’s potential to address critical national challenges such as food insecurity, poor health outcomes, and economic vulnerability.
“Farming alone is too narrow a term in the context of today’s mechanized agriculture and livestock industrialization. To achieve true food and economic security, we must recognize agriculture as a holistic system that includes production, processing, logistics, and services,” Dr. Kakale stated.
He also emphasized the need to constitutionally prioritize health sector development amid rising global health threats and growing calls for “health nationalism.”
The proposed Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2025, seeks to broaden the engagement of public officers in critical sectors that directly contribute to national development. According to the draft bill, paragraph 2(b) would be amended to include:
Agricultural production and services;
Health care services and production.
Dr. Kakale, a strong advocate of education reforms, particularly for Almajiri and out-of-school children, argues that national survival now depends on aligning constitutional values with contemporary development realities.
The bill will now be considered by the House Committee on Constitution Review as part of ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen governance frameworks in Nigeria.
The committee chairman, Sada Soli Jibia reaffirmed the House’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review.
“We are here to listen to the people. Every suggestion and submission will be compiled and presented at the national level for consideration.
“The goal is to ensure the Constitution reflects the realities and aspirations of all Nigerians,” he stated.
The constitutional review process continues across other geopolitical zones as the House of Representatives seeks input from citizens nationwide to guide potential amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
